I accidentially almost became a Mormon

If you’ve ever walked through Turlington during passing periods, chances are you’ve seen a pair of well-dressed young adults. It could be a pair of boys in suits or girls in long skirts (never a boy and girl pair). If you’ve seen this, you’ve come across a pair of Mormon missionaries.

If you’re a normal person, you pass by them and maybe only say a few non-committal words when they try to start a conversation with you.

If you’re me, your mind jumps to one of your favorite musicals. You stop and have a long conversation with one of the boys. And then, you do the one thing you’re never supposed to do in Turlington — give out your number. Then answer the number and agree to meet up with the missionary and his partner.

I am sad to report not once did the missionaries burst into spontaneous song and dance

For those who don’t know, since I didn’t, the closest Church of Latter-day Saints is right next to Norman hall, behind Alpha Gamma Rho.

My first meeting with the Elders, as the male missionaries are called, was at the LDS church. I learned apparently, they are required to have one non-missionary member of the church (whether they be someone of authority, as the first one I was with, or someone who converted less than a year ago, as another person I met), to ensure that the Elders are teaching as they should.

We started with a prayer for the meeting, and they gave me a Book of Mormon and pamphlet talking about Joseph Smith. They explained his story to me, and we took turns reading passages from the Book. We closed in prayer and they asked when I was available to meet again.

Right by Mormon- I mean Norman

Now, I had planned to meet with them for the first time because when else would I get the chance to meet with Mormon missionaries? They were also really nice, like every other Mormon I had known in my life, and I enjoyed talking with them and learning about what they believed, even if it was different from my own beliefs.

However, because they were so nice, I didn’t know how to not set up another meeting. So I met again with them a few days later. And set up another meeting, again. They continued teaching about the fundamentals of their beliefs.

I learned a lot of things we hear about Mormons are taken out of context or just wrong. I’ve always been told only those who have been baptized by them are allowed to visit their churches. When people talk about that, they actually mean their Temples, and Mormons need a recommendation from a leader at their church to be allowed in. The Temples are also only used for special ceremonies, like marriages.

This led into them asking me to attend one of their church services. I was a little uncomfortable going so soon. I had only had three or so meetings with them, but again, when else would I get this chance?

The pamphlets I was given on my different meetings

I enjoyed my time in the church service. It was different from what I was used to. They had their own hymnal of Mormon-specific songs and there was a built-in Bible study were you went with people at your level. Everyone there was very welcoming and I hit it off with two of the girls right away, one who told me people usually convert within two months.

I wasn’t ready to convert. I didn’t even plan to. Sure, I enjoyed learning about Mormonism and talking with the missionaries, but I also still wasn’t sold on the whole Joseph Smith being a prophet.

Notes from some of my lessons

Sure enough, at my next meeting they asked if they could set up a baptismal date for me before summer. They had already asked me to make other ‘promises’ that I was already following from my own religion. The basic vow of chastity, no drugs or addictive substances, no caffeine and (the most random but painful of all) no coffee or tea.

The Elders assured me I could cancel the baptism whenever I wanted — even the morning of. I agreed, but mostly because, if I did want to be baptized, I would want it to be by one of them.

At that point I decided to call my sister and tell her. I said I was thinking of being baptized into the church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints, she had no idea what it meant. When I said it meant Mormon, she thought I was joking. I knew it was a little crazy, but I still wasn’t dead set on it.

Yup, still have this. I just can’t throw it out- it may not be my holy book, but it’s someones holy book

The missionaries had told me about something called the General Conference, a semi-annual event where the leaders of the church got together and addressed everyone about what was going on in the (Mormon) world. I watched a bit and, after listening to what one of the heads of the church was saying, I knew it wasn’t for me. I texted the missionaries telling them that I wouldn’t be meeting with them anymore. They texted back, asking for a chance to explain, but I ignored it. I knew I was done.

My sister, who still thought I was crazy for ever talking to them, blocked their number from my phone. I learned a few months ago, when I got a new phone, that they had apparently called me to ask if I would like to go to one of the Elder’s going away party.

I even ended up being Facebook friends with one of them later on. When I found the voicemail, I messaged him, explaining why I stopped going. While he was back in Utah at college, he responded back very politely, saying he understood, and encouraged me to seek answers in the book.

Your friendly neighborhood Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints

Obviously, I am not a Mormon today and I can say I never plan to be one. I’m happy with my own Christianity, however I don’t regret meeting with the Mormons. They were kind people, even if their main mission was to convert me. I learned a lot about them and got to experience something I never thought I would. Honestly, I probably find the musical funnier now, knowing what is and isn’t accurate.

But if you ever have a chance to learn more about this, or any other religion, I strongly encourage you do so. It’s an enlightening experience that may or may not change your outlook on life.